Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Nov. 27, 2023

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently told the state government to resolve within six months the issues that have led to the delay in the notification of eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) status for the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary:

  • Location: It is located in the Shimoga District of Karnataka.
  • It spans an area of 395.6 square kilometres.
  • It was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 23rd November 1974.
  • Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary, present on a small island in the river Tunga is also a part of this Sanctuary. 
  • The Tunga Anicut Dam is situated within the sanctuary and provides shelter for otters and water birds.
  • Vegetation:
    • It is mainly covered by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
    • The eastern and central parts are mostly covered by dry and moist deciduous forests, while the western parts have semi-evergreen forests.
  • Flora: Major tree species include silver oak, teak, Indian Thorny Bamboo, Calcutta bamboo, Asan, Tectona Grandis, Sweet Indrajao, Amla, etc.
  • Fauna:
    • It houses mammals like Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Gaur, Elephant, Sloth Bear Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Pig, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, etc.
    • Birds include Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bulbuls, Parakeets, Doves, Pigeons, Babblers, Flycatchers, Munias, Swallows, Woodpeckers, Peafowl, Jungle fowl and Partridges.